Dark Horse Vineyard Wedding – Lovedale, Hunter Valley

“I felt like a Vogue model all day on my wedding. I wish I could express how amazing Bryce is.

Not only were his photos perfect he was more than our photographer he was our friend, our event coordinator, our right-hand man and just a great person, he was so easy and approachable and whipped other vendors in line.

I would have died without Bryce, and I mean even if he didn’t help us and support us, his photos were just amazing and made my husband (who is not used to the camera) feel very comfortable. We love Bryce and wish we could see him every weekend 🩷”

Dark Horse Vineyard is one of those Hunter Valley venues that surprises people. Tucked away in Lovedale, it offers a mix of modern barn-style spaces, open vineyards and a relaxed, slightly rustic feel that suits couples who want something a little different.

This wedding leaned right into that vibe — relaxed, high-energy and full of genuine moments.

A Venue That Encourages Flow

One of the biggest strengths of Dark Horse Vineyard is how well the spaces work together. Ceremony, reception and portrait locations are all close by, which keeps the day flowing naturally without unnecessary travel or downtime.

From prep through to sunset, everything felt connected — and that always shows in the photos.

Keeping Things Real and Unforced

This wasn’t a wedding built around a rigid run sheet. It was built around people. The laughs between friends, the hugs with family, the quiet moments that happen when no one’s paying attention.

Portraits were guided gently and kept short, leaving plenty of time for drinks, speeches and soaking up the atmosphere. That balance is exactly what I aim for with my relaxed wedding photography across NSW.

Sunset, Energy & Celebration

As the light softened, we stepped into the vines for sunset photos — quick, easy and completely natural. The rest of the night was all about good food, big energy and a packed dance floor.

Dark Horse Vineyard really shines once the party kicks off.

Why Dark Horse Works So Well

If you’re planning a Lovedale wedding and want a venue that feels laid-back but still polished, Dark Horse Vineyard is a solid choice. Great light, great flow and a space that encourages you to enjoy the day rather than rush through it.

You can find coverage options and inclusions over on my pricing & packages page.

THE STORY OF Abby & Grant’s DAY

A very talented team of hair and makeup artists spent the morning with the girls, with the highly sought-after and well-known Dina K, Annaleise Makeup and Rnb Hair And Beauty their thing for Bride Abby.

Live music played as Abby and her bridesmaids walked down the eye; the atmosphere was romantic and intimate despite being outdoors. Jeremy "That Altar Guy" was Grant and Abby's chosen celebrant & MC. Jeremeys's laid-back style, with a hint of witty banter, led the couple and their guests through an entertaining and engaging ceremony. With a recap of the couple's initial meeting bringing them to this moment and a bit of wedding party member roasting, the couple were finally hitched!

Following the ceremony, Dan, the video man, and I took the wedding party to a nicely framed spot between the two main paddocks. The Autumn leaves of the trees that lined the fences were the most beautiful burnt orange, bringing warmth to all the images we captured. We moved on to capturing arguably the most important guests of the day: the animals! Stealing the show (briefly) were Abby's two horses and their dog, all wearing beautiful flower necklaces and their best smiles.

We then went through the usual paces, a few portraits with just the bride & bridesmaids, her with each of them individually, and the same for the groom, before jumping in the car and heading out to Wandin Estate. Wandin is just a short drive up the road and offers stunning views with a mix of rustic and elegance, perfect for this couple. We stayed to take advantage of the many photo spots at sunset. The vineyard, the dimly lit barrel room with gorgeous chandeliers, and the vine-covered wall with stunning deep green vines and rich red flowers.

The reception was a true spectacle, with Abby & Grant making a grand entrance that will be remembered for years to come. Kaboom Fireworks took care of the indoor cold spark fireworks that illuminated the room, and a classic Kanye tune set the mood for the cake-cutting, adding a touch of uniqueness to their celebration. Wilderness Chef looked after the food for the evening, so we knew everyone was in for a treat. Mane Events DJs provided the entertainment for the night, ensuring nobody's seat got too warm. Creative Booth ensured the wedding was a party for all the guests by providing a fun photo booth for everyone to enjoy.

At the end of the night, we took a few night snaps of a champagne pop and some epic dancefloor shots. This country wedding will go down in history. They are such a fun and loving couple, and it was a great wedding to be a part of.

VENDORS

Wedding Venue: Dark Horse Vineyard

Celebrant: That Altar Guy

Catering: The Wilderness Chef

Styling/Coordination: Isnt It Lovely Events

Fireworks: Kaboom Fireworks

Florist: Flowers With Tika

Video: Dan Dimmock Films

Hair Stylist: Rnb Hair And Beauty

Makeup: Annaleise Makeup

Makeup: Makeup by Dina K

Dress: Corston Couture